Patterson Ridge and Big Run Circuit Hike-11.2 miles-Strenuous
Details
Starting Point - Loft Mountain Wayside (Mile Marker 79.5)
Ending Point - Loft Mountain Wayside (Mile Marker 79.5)
Hike Distance/Hike Rating/Hike Elevation - 11.2 miles/Strenuous/2500 feet of elevation
Hike Highlights - Patterson Ridge Trail, Big Run Drainage Area, Big Run Trail, Big Run Overlook, Multiple Stream Crossings, Appalachian Trail, Multiple Vistas along the Appalachian Trail, Frazier Discovery Trail, Loft Mountain Wayside
Disclaimer #1 - This hike is rated as a strenuous hike. Since this hike is rated as a strenuous hike, all hikers will start on the wait list until I can verify the hiking experience of all hikers on the wait list. All hikers, who have not hiked with me, will need to answer the following questions.
- How often do you hike?
- What strenuous hikes have you done?
- When and what was the last strenuous hike that you completed?
Hikers have one week of their RSVP to answer these questions. Answers to these questions can be emailed to me at patrickcory@hotmail.com or via Meetup Messages. Failure to answer these questions within one week will move the hiker from the wait list to NOT GOING.
Hike Details - This is a circuit hike that offers all of the best of Shenandoah National Park. This hike offers amazing vistas, stream crossings, and the amazing wildflowers. We are going to start the hike by forming carpools at the Fontaine Research Park shortly before 8:15 AM. We are going to make our way into the Rockfish Gap Entrance of Shenandoah National Park and drive to the Loft Mountain Wayside at mile marker 79.5. We are going to start the hike by walking up Skyline Drive to the Patteson Ridge Trail. We are going to hike the Patterson Ridge Trail down into the Big Run Drainage Area. We are going to reach the junction with the Big Run Portal Trail. Upon reaching the Big Run Portal Trail, we are going to turn left. We will have stream crossings that might require some fording if there has been rainfall in the days prior to the hike. We are going to come to the junction with the Big Run Trail. We are going to turn left onto the Big Run Trail, and we are going to start the climb up to the Big Run Overlook on Skyline Drive. After reaching the Big Run Overlook, we are going to cross Skyline Drive to the Doyles River Parking Area. We will turn left onto the Appalachian Trail. We are going to hike the Appalachian Trail northbound to the junction with the Frazier Discovery Trail. Along this stretch of the Appalachian Trail, we will have multiple viewpoints and rock outcroppings. We will have views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. After reaching the Frazier Discovery Trail, we will turn left and descend back down to the cars at the Loft Mountain Wayside. Please make sure to review the hike link below before signing up for this hike.
http://midatlantichikes.com/pattersonridge.htm
As is tradition with my hikes, there will be an optional post hike at a local restaurant or brewery. The carpools can be arranged accordingly for those, who wish to partake in the post hike.
What to Bring - Broken in hiking boots, trekking poles, $5 for your driver, annual SNP pass if you have one, moisture wicking clothing (not cotton), bug spray, sunscreen, permetherin, a change of clothes (especially if we have to ford the stream crossings)
Disclaimer #2 - GetHiking Charlottesville's Organizers are not professional guides. Expect the same risks and take the same precautions you would take if you were hiking alone. With your RSVP you agree with this disclaimer - Disclaimer (https://www.meetup.com/GetHiking-Charlottesville-Charlottesville-VA/pages/21088739/Disclaimer/)